Eating & Drinking After All-on-4 Surgery

All-on-4 dentures are a great option for patients who don’t want to go without any teeth while their mouth heals from dental implant surgery. You’ll be fitted with your new set of teeth on the same day as your placement surgery. However, you can’t rush home to eat a juicy steak right away. You will have to watch what you eat for several weeks to allow your jawbone to fuse to your implant posts. Here’s what you need to know to ensure your refrigerator is well-stocked with foods and drinks that are approved by your implant dentist.

1-2 Weeks Post-Op: Liquid Diet

You can have water immediately after your surgery, which is recommended by your dentist to keep you hydrated for a better recovery. However, don’t drink through a straw because it can harm the surgical sites. It’s best to avoid any hot liquids until the effects of any numbing medications or sedatives wear off to prevent accidental burns.

You can expect your mouth to be sore for a few days. You may also have some swelling or bruising. As a result, you may not feel like chewing, anyway. A liquid diet will keep you nourished until your discomfort subsides. However, as your pain improves, you’ll still need to stick to a liquid diet. Your implant dentist will recommend avoiding anything hot, spicy, or acidic.

You can manage pain with an over-the-counter pain reliever. Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling and bruising.

2 Weeks – 3 Months Post-Op: Soft Foods

After 1-2 weeks, you won’t have any pain, but you can’t resume your regular diet just yet. If you put too much pressure on your dental implants, your bone may not heal correctly, which can cause them to fail. 

Your implant dentist will instruct you to eat soft foods that require minimal chewing, like rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes. Although you’ll be feeling better, don’t have any carbonated or alcoholic drinks, which can delay healing and increase your risk of complications. 

You’ll have regular follow-up appointments with your dentist. They’ll monitor your healing progression and let you know when you can resume your normal diet. 

Get the Most from Dental Implants

After your mouth has healed, you’ll regain 70% of your natural biting force. You can enjoy all your favorite foods, but you’ll want to limit anything hard or chewing. It puts additional wear and tear on your new teeth, which can shorten their life expectancy. 

With a nutritious diet, good oral hygiene habits, and regular care from your dentist, your new smile can last for 30 years or longer.

About Dr. Andrew Barnett

Dr. Barnett earned his dental degree from the University of Pittsburgh and has continued his education in periodontics, dental implants, and regenerative therapies. He has the training and qualifications to treat the most complex oral health issues. Dr. Barnett is a proud member of many professional organizations, including the American Academy of Periodontology. Request an appointment through his website or call (214) 833-5755.